Sing-alongs at the beach, under the stars, campfires, and barbecues, those magical summer nights – all of these experiences are enhanced by the soulful music of the guitar. Whether played with fingers or a pick, while sitting or standing, the guitar is considered one of the easiest musical instruments to learn and the most portable to carry around. If you have ever desired to play the guitar, regardless of the genre of music, from classical to jazz, here are some key tips to learn the guitar quickly and easily as your starting guitar lessons.
To play the guitar well, it is important to assume the correct posture. This will make playing easier and help prevent injuries. The guitar can be played while sitting or standing. When sitting, there are two basic positions: the classical position (with the guitar resting on your left leg) and the casual position (with the guitar resting on your right leg).
When playing the guitar while standing, securely fit the guitar strap over your shoulder, hold the guitar neck with your left hand, and rest your right hand over the guitar’s bridge. Find a comfortable position with your guitar; this will help you learn guitar playing faster.
A proper hand position is key to learning how to play the guitar quickly. Relax your wrists and hands completely, as tension can lead to injuries. Avoid pressing your thumb onto the back of the guitar neck, as this can strain both your thumb and wrist. Press down on the strings of the fretboard with the fingers of your left hand while simultaneously strumming the strings on the guitar bridge with the fingers of your right hand. If you prefer to use a pick, hold it between your index finger and thumb.
In order to learn the guitar fast, ensure that all six guitar strings are properly tuned. Start by checking if the sixth string, E, is in tune. The E string is the lowest-sounding and thickest string among the six. Then, tune the strings A, D, G, B, and finally E. The high E string is the highest-sounding and thinnest string. This is the standard tuning for a six-string guitar. Beginner guitarists may also consider using a “guitar tuner” to help them tune their guitars. More experienced players may experiment with different tuning methods to achieve unique chord sounds that add color to their playing.
Now that you have tuned your guitar, you can begin practicing scales and chords. Scales are a series of individual musical notes played one after another, either in ascending or descending order. On the other hand, chords are a group of three or more notes played simultaneously, typically by strumming or playing multiple strings. Songs are created by using different chords to create riffs. Practice playing chords repeatedly, transitioning from one chord to another.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
